Check out these events that are happening this October in Reykjavík!
RIFF
Until October 10
The Reykjavík International Film Festival is the highlight of the year for any Reykjavík film enthusiast. More than 100 films from 40 countries are screened, giving Reykjavík a taste of the most exciting and innovative filmmaking from around the world. Aside from all the exciting documentaries, short films, and feature films on the programme, the festival also includes events such as a drive-in and swim-in cinema, masterclasses, Q&As with actors, writers, and directors, as well as a plethora of other events. Every year, one country’s film industry gets special notice and this year, films from the Netherlands will take centre stage. Finally, the most acclaimed award of the festival is The Golden Puffin, which is handed out to a film in the category New Visions and will be named Discovery of the Year.
Illumination of the Imagine Peace Tower
October 9
The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial to John Lennon by Yoko Ono on Viðey island. It has the form of a wishing well, shooting a ray of light high into the sky when it’s lit. The words “Imagine Peace” are inscribed on the well in 24 different languages. It is lit between October 9, Lennon’s birth date, and December 8, the day of his death. Yoko Ono invites everyone to enjoy the illumination ceremony.
Extreme Chill Festival
October 7-10
The Extreme Chill festival takes place for the 11th time this year. Established in 2010, it is Iceland’s longest running festival focused on experimental music. The line-up includes Plaid, Roger Eno, Bjarki, Ingibjörg Elsa Turchi, Good Moon Deer, and Klaki. The festival aims to create connections between Icelandic and foreign musicians and combines different art forms, including visual arts. This year, Harpa’s Kaldalón hall, Húrra, Gaukurinn, and Auto will be the main venues.
Joker – Live in Concert
October 10
Hildur Guðnadóttir’s Academy Award-winning score to Joker is performed live during the movie screening in Harpa, conducted by Hildur’s father. The film music is central to the story of Joaquin Phoenix’s character Arthur Fleck throughout the movie. Looming industrial soundscapes are mixed with raw, string-led cello melodies, creating a melancholic, emotional sound. Hildur’s score will be performed live by SinfoniaNord, specialised in film, game, and television music, to create an entirely new viewing experience.
AION
October 21
Choreographer Erna Ómarsdóttir and composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir invite guests into a magical world where music and dance meet. The performance is inspired by abstract ideas about time and interdimensional travel. During AION, members of the Iceland Dance Company and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra fuse together into a single entity. the AION is a collaborative effort of the Iceland Dance Company, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. A must-see event for all who are interested in contemporary Icelandic music and dance. Don’t miss it!
How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
October 9, 17, 23 and 30
How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes is a popular stand-up comedy show running for ten years that will teach you everything you need to know about becoming Icelandic in just one hour. You will learn to walk, talk, and behave like a regular Icelander. The show is filled with smart observations of the attitudes, struggles, and everyday life of Icelanders. You will not only laugh, but at the end of the show leave the theatre feeling you know all the ins and outs about Icelandic life. The event takes place at Harpa and tickets cost 5,100 ISK.
